By Ankeli Emmanuel (Sokoto)
Senator Ibrahim Ida (Sarduanan Katsina), has appealed to all Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity, political inclination and status, to come together and support the government towards providing a safe and secured environment for all.
Ibrahim who is the new Pro-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) spoke after inaugurating the newly reconstituted Council members of the institution. He warned that should Nigerians allow Boko Haram and other insurgent activities to thrive, they will succeed in crippling Nigeria's education sector, economy and national development.
According to him, as new council members of UDUS, the expectations on them are very high. "The challenges ahead are also formidable and daunting, considering the catalogues of problems besetting higher education in Nigeria today. Furthermore, we will be operating in a system that is very critical of our actions and inactions".
While stressing that the challenges will however make them chart a roadmap that will enable them make the University become amongst the best in the world, Ida said, "Judging from the personal backgrounds of the members of the new council, who have distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavor, one can say with sincerity and conviction that the university is lucky to be entrusted in safe hands"
Senator Ida also assured that they will try to make UDUS an ivory tower that will be a model and center of excellence in education in Nigeria. He also disclosed that the council will not get itself involved in the day yo day running of the institution.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof Lawal Bilbis, said the institution pride itself as the most peaceful University in the country.
"Every member of the University community shares brotherly love. We are peaceful not only by name but by activities and actions which is why parents struggle to get their children into our school because we mould people's character as well", Prof Bilbis said.
The Vice Chancellor also hinted that UDUS has a very good relationship with ASUU, NASSU, SANU and all others in the institution.
Professor Abdullahi Tukur of the Department of Education and Extension Services who reacted to the the inaugural speech of the Pro Chancellor, said they are happy to have people of such caliber as the new council members of UDUS. NNL.
